WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A statement by Rear Adm. Mary M. Jackson, Commander, Navy Region South East, was given at the City of Chattanooga's vigil for the fallen Marines, July 17.

Good evening. It is with my deepest sympathies and personal sadness that I am here tonight.

I would like to thank the Chattanooga community for their overwhelming support of our Navy and Marine Corps family. We greatly appreciate the arrangements made here this evening with this vigil invitation and those who have gone out of their way to make us feel at home. We are honored to be part of this community. We continue to keep our thoughts and prayers with our fallen Marines and their families, and for our wounded Sailor and his family.

Today, a small team of counselors and chaplains arrived from around the Southeast Region to provide support for families and service members and we will continue to support our Navy and Marine Corps team alongside the community.

These incidents have had a profound impact on every one of us, regardless of whether we wear the uniform or not. But we stand together and find resilience in each other as we move ahead of these difficult times. We are Chattanooga strong!